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Getting a driver's license for the first time is a life-changing experience for any teen. Although the process of getting your Oklahoma driver's license may seem complicated, we've made it easier to understand by explaining complicated state regulations in easy to follow steps.

New to Oklahoma?

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer your license by going to any Department of Public Safety (DPS) office and:

Passing the written and/or road test(s), if required. The tests will be waived if department standards are met. Call your local driver examiner office to find out.

If you have not yet received a learner's permit or driver's license from your home state before moving to Oklahoma, you will need to follow the steps outlined below:

About the Oklahoma Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

Oklahoma teen drivers are involved in more crashes than any other age group throughout the state. In fact, 25% of 16-year-old drivers are either involved in a traffic accident or receive a traffic violation within their first year of driving.

In an effort to reduce the risks associated with first-time drivers, many states, including Oklahoma, have implemented a GDL program, requiring teens to meet certain milestones before obtaining their Class D driver's license. Many of these milestones are age and experience related, the first of which is obtaining your Oklahoma learner's permit. Below you will find the requirements for getting your OK learner's permit and driver's license.

Age Requirements

15 1/2 years old―Eligible for a learner's permit

16 years old―Eligible for an intermediate driver's license

18 years old―Eligible for an unrestricted Class D driver's license

Driver's Education in Oklahoma

To earn an Oklahoma driver's license, you must complete a Department of Public Safety approved driver education course. All approved courses must include 30 hours of classroom instruction and a minimum behind-the-wheel driving requirement of 50 hours for a standard driver's education course or 55 hours for a Parent-Taught Driver's Ed (PTDE) program. You must be at least 15 years old to enroll in a driver education course.

Completing a course expedites the licensing process. You can take driver's education at school, at a for-profit driver school, or at home through an online parent-taught program.

Learner's Permit

You must be at least 15 1/2 years old AND be enrolled in an approved Driver's Ed class to apply for an Oklahoma learner's permit. If you're not enrolled in Driver's Ed, you must wait until you're 16 years old to apply.

Prepare for the Written Exam

In order to earn your Oklahoma learner's permit, you will need to pass a written skills exam. Pick up a copy of the Oklahoma Driver's Manual and study it before taking your test. In addition, you should consider taking online practice tests. These exams feature questions from past licensing tests, making them a valuable study tool.

Documentation of current enrollment in a secondary or vocational-technical school, or proof of GED enrollment or completion.

Payment to cover $4 application fee.

NOTE: There is no initial testing fee. You'll only be charged an additional $4 if you fail and require a retest.

Behind-the-Wheel Training

With your learner's permit, you're ready to start the behind-the-wheel portion of your driver's training. This requires completing at least 50 hours or 55 hours of supervised driving (contingent on your Driver's Ed course), 10 hours of which must be at night, with a licensed driver 21 years old or older who has had their license for at least 2 years.

Intermediate License

Once you're 16 years old and have had a learner's permit for at least 6 months, you can apply for an Oklahoma intermediate license by taking the driving test. Make sure you've completed the required hours of behind-the-wheel training before making an Oklahoma road test appointment.

There is no testing fee for the initial driving exam. However, you will be charged $4 for each retest.

Restricted Driving with Your Intermediate License

You can drive without supervision between the hours of 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

You can't drive with more than 1 passenger who doesn't live in your home.

NOTE: You can drive at any hour if accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years old or older.

Unrestricted Class D License

After a certain period of time, your driving restrictions will be lifted, and you will be eligible for a full unrestricted OK Class D driver's license. The requirements for obtaining an unrestricted Class D license vary based upon whether you completed Driver Ed.

If you have completed Driver's Ed, you must:

Have held your intermediate license for at least 6 months

Have no traffic convictions on your driving record during this time period

If you did not complete Driver Ed, you must:

Have held your intermediate license for 6 months

Have no traffic convictions on your driving record during this time period

If you're 18 years of age or older, you can apply for an unrestricted license once you pass the driving and vision exams.

OK Car Insurance Requirements

Having insurance is required by law and protects you financially in the event of an accident. Adding a teen driver may significantly increase the cost of your auto insurance premiums, making it a good idea to check with multiple auto insurance companies for coverage that best suits your needs and budget.

Learner Permit Insurance

Teens with permits may be covered under the insurance of the adult licensed driver riding with them. Contact your insurance company to verify this holds true. If not, you'll need additional coverage.

Intermediate License Insurance

Teen drivers with an intermediate driver's license are required to show proof of insurance to get their full Class D license. Teens may be added to an existing family policy, a parent's policy, or they may carry their own policy.

There may be opportunities for teens and their families to qualify for discounts from insurance companies. For more information about discounts, rates, and coverage, visit the following pages: